Articles Written by Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

Japanese Porcelain Stacking Tools

My goodness, this stacking set packs quite the punch in tools. A mortar with pestle, a ginger/garlic/zest grater, a citrus juicer, and a storage canister (that also acts as a ladle holder) all stack together for a unified system. So, don’t go running back to the kitchen to get whatever tool you need, bring the whole thing to the table for an impressive display of dinner prep right in front of your guests and/or family. They’ll be awed by your efficiency and skills (let’s hope for the best case scenario).(more…)

PIFF Hooks

The all-black set of PIFF Hooks is decidedly suitable for many a modern interior, with its shiny Bakelite and ash posts capable of holding coats and scarves and other miscellany. However, if you don’t mind a bit of color, you absolutely have to consider the color sets: full red, orange/pink/purple, and pink/yellow/blue. So fun.(more…)

Wood Salt & Pepper Shakers by Tomnuk Designs

If your current salt & pepper situation is not appropriate for the dinner table, then maybe you need to grow up a teensy bit and buy some nice shakers. These shakers (solid maple salt shaker and solid walnut pepper shaker) have solid brass screw in caps that add a superb touch to an otherwise very minimal tabletop accessory. Handmade by Tomnuk Design founder Jordan Tomnuk.(more…)

Pal Barstools

Well, aren’t these a sight for sore wallets? At $199 for the ash, grey, yellow or black barstool, and even less at $149 for the smaller stool, the Pal collection over at Hem hits the right price point. They’re easy to assemble, lightweight, and sturdy. Plus, for a fun fact, the curved legs were inspired by skateboard-making techniques. The circular metal bracket adds strength as well as a spot to rest your feet.(more…)

Hacienda Table

How about a little hardware with your dining table? An oxidized iron X-base provides support for solid (sustainable) mango wood planks while smaller touches of polished aluminum adds a hint of industrial gleam. Inspired by old Swedish tapetserarbords (wallpaper tables), the designer Jonas Wahlström intends for this table to be just as suitable in the dining room as in an office or workspace.(more…)

Nika Coat Hooks

I’ve been a fan of the Mabeo furniture studio ever since Peter Mabeo presented the Maun Windsor Chair at ICFF years ago, so it’s exciting to see they’re expanding their collection with special objects like these Nika Coat Hooks. Canadian designer Garth Roberts collaborated with Mabeo’s artisanal studio in Botswana to create the set of five hooks made from sustainably harvested panga panga and white oak wood. Bright colors frame each circular hook, adding a playful nod to the dark wood forms.(more…)

Fferrone Corner Shelf

Corner space won’t go to waste with this shelf by Fferrone. A minimal, ribbon-like shape fits into corners to provide a suitable space for books or other smaller items. Consider several for a larger storage statement or just one for displaying your favorite cache of collectables.(more…)

Sambonet Terra.Cotto Cookware

Colorful cookware? Sure, why not? Sambonet’s Terra.Cotto Piral designs are “recognized as the highest quality terracotta cookware in the world able to withstand temperatures ranging from 250° C to 280°C in an oven or a microwave.” The materials are eco-friendly, so they’re a smart and easy addition to your collection of saucepans and pots.(more…)

The Vipp Shelter

While we’re all still catching up from the holiday break, let’s take a moment to imagine a weekend spent in the Vipp Shelter. Yes, Vipp is a Danish company known mostly for its industrial garbage cans, but now they’ve thrown their hat in the ring for prefab homes. And, once you take a look at their 600-square-foot prototype, you’ll be glad they did.(more…)

Cargo Box Container by Alessi

You need more storage options for your stuff? What are you, a pack rat? Just kidding, I know you aren’t- everything you have is absolutely necessary… right? Maybe the Cargo Box will work best to corral the clutter, as it’s shaped like a classic toolbox with a few inner compartments and a thin wooden handle for easy carrying. If you prefer more inner compartments, be sure to consider the Toolbox by Arik Levy as well.(more…)

Squares Throw

Here’s another very suitable option for keeping yourself warm. This 100% Baby Alpaca Jacquard Squares Throw is a collaboration between designer Alyson Fox and Hawkins New York and has hand embroidered detailing as well as a reverse colored back. A grey, blue, and black color scheme won’t clash with your living or sleeping areas, so keep it handy to have an extra layer of warmth while reading a book or watching a movie.(more…)

Camp Bed

Why are you seeing a camp bed in the dead of winter? Because it’s one heck of deal for one heck of a nice looking camp bed, that’s why. State-of-the-art patented hinges and galvanized spring steel legs combine with a water-resistant, machine washable cover to support up to 350 pounds. For travel, camping, or for your overnight guests, this is a temporary bed that could be left out (maybe?) more permanently as a day bed in a room if you don’t mind a utilitarian look mixed with your everyday furnishings.(more…)

Triangle and Line Light by Fort Makers

What the what?! A triangular line light is just what these dreary and dark evenings need, and, if you’re lucky enough to have several hundred dollars, you might want to check out the Walnut Line Light by Fort Makers as well. Either (or both) would scratch any minimally-designed lighting needs you may have, as it’d be hard not to fall a little in love with such spare graphic designs executed with such precision.(more…)

Doppio Round Cutting Block

Bad news: this Doppio Round Cutting Block is not cheap. It would be so much better if it lost a zero in its price tag, as right now it’s about the price of a very decent armchair. Alas, we’ll settle for appreciating the double layer of marble- the dark side is Nero Marquina marble from Spain and the white is Carrara Marble from Italy- and imagining it upon our tabletops.(more…)

Sailor’s Knot Handmade Quilt

A new Meg Callahan quilt is just what you need, considering the cold air that’s bound to make itself at home for another few months. And, unlike the smaller throw sizes available from Matter, this quilt is sized for a queen bed or as a top layer for a king. This design is a collaboration between Meg Callahan and Hawkins New York and features hand stitching with a screen-printed graphic.(more…)